Two boats were significantly damaged after a night-time collision at the entrance to Whangarei Harbour.
Jim Lyle, regional harbourmaster for the Northland Regional Council, said it was lucky lives were not lost just as the council was raising awareness of the importance of keeping a proper lookout and displaying the correct navigation lights at night or in restricted visibility.
Maritime New Zealand was investigating the incident which was reported yesterday morning.
Mr Lyle said Maritime NZ officials were still trying to speak with the owner of the more badly-damaged launch, which was about 10m long, but understood it had eventually limped into Marsden Cove with extensive damage to its bow. The other vessel was removed from the water in Whangarei yesterday for repairs. "Unfortunately, this overnight incident shows just how easily and spectacularly things can go wrong and we're very lucky not to have had a serious injury, or even a death as a result."
